sorry... I'm new at this

[ONTScan]

I post this in the Canada East forum because I am curious about how well the BCD396T works fresh out of the box.

Because I am new, I am still getting my head aorund programming so I figured I would begin conventional scanning first and see what I come across.

One thing that is mentioned in the user manual is that the 396T already has some pre-programmed frequencies from 25 major US cities. Though I dont imagine I will come across any of those major cities what I am wondering is if I will receive local emergency services(EMS, PD, Fire) listed under US city names?

I am also at a crossroads for programming, one I have NO CLUE how any of this programming software works and before that I still have to get a USB to Serial adapter and software and figure out how to istall that. There are some good articles but there appears to be some conflict with regards to Windows Vista Operating systyem(I use Vista Home Premium)

I came across one great article called "Programming your Uniden scanner for Bell Mobility Radio's Fleetnet system" and I will certainly try that out it works for OPP(according to the article) but how can I apply that knowledge to other Fleetnet systems?

I am used to the "old school" of scanning where you put in a frequency and listen. I can't wait to get my 396 but at the same time I can't help but feel totally LOST despite all the articles I am finding.
So, I would like to hear all your thoughts on the various way to first get into scanning.
I know there will be varying ideas and that is my goal with this post, by looking at varying ideas perhaps I will find something that works for me.

Thanks.

 

[bpsmicro]

Since you're in Ontario, join either the EasternOntarioScanning (if you're closer to Ottawa) or ScanOnt (if you're closer to Toronto) Yahoo groups. Or both. The Files areas for these groups will have ARC396 files that'll get you started. Grab the demo version of ARC396 via butel.nl, toss in a file to get you rolling, then buy the software so you can fine-tune (and learn) while listening.
If you try to start from scratch, and try to program in the vast amounts of data by hand, all while the scanner remains silent, you'll eventually get frustrated ("eventually" in this scenario is usually within a couple of days or less).
There's also a ScanOnt FAQ at -= The SCANONT FAQ v1.1 =- which is required reading before you post in any of the Yahoo groups. Do that first.
Welcome to the world of trunked/digital scanning. Once you're operational, you'll be impressed.

Brad.

 

[davidmc36]

One thing that is mentioned in the user manual is that the 396T already has some pre-programmed frequencies from 25 major US cities. Though I dont imagine I will come across any of those major cities what I am wondering is if I will receive local emergency services(EMS, PD, Fire) listed under US city names?.

I believe much of the pre-set stuff is helpful if you are in those cities, but being in Canada (Ottawa area) the first thing I did with my 996 was delete that stuff, basically useless to a Canuck, unless you are close to the border.

I am also at a crossroads for programming, one I have NO CLUE how any of this programming software works and before that I still have to get a USB to Serial adapter and software and figure out how to istall that. There are some good articles but there appears to be some conflict with regards to Windows Vista Operating systyem(I use Vista Home Premium)

If you get the drivers that match the hardware AND software it should work for you. My observation is that 99.99% of problems turn out to be operator error or actual defective equipment. Be absolutely sure to install drivers before plugging in the cable. Even if you remove drivers and uninstall non working items in Device manager after doing it out of order and try to start over there can be files remaining that can cause it to not install correctly.

I came across one great article called "Programming your Uniden scanner for Bell Mobility Radio's Fleetnet system" and I will certainly try that out it works for OPP(according to the article) but how can I apply that knowledge to other Fleetnet systems?

Once you have learned to program one Moto II system, any other is set up pretty much the same, with the exception of system unique details like, obvioulsy TG ID's and your Base, Spacing, and Offset numbers. Once you learn to program one EDACS system any other is set up pretty much the same. And so on........

I am used to the "old school" of scanning where you put in a frequency and listen. I can't wait to get my 396 but at the same time I can't help but feel totally LOST despite all the articles I am finding.
So, I would like to hear all your thoughts on the various way to first get into scanning.
I know there will be varying ideas and that is my goal with this post, by looking at varying ideas perhaps I will find something that works for me.

Thanks.

While with the larger systems it is very tedious to program by hand and the software is pretty much reqd., I would reccomend picking a smaller system that is in your area and doing it by hand. It will help you get a feel for the way the radio works and actually better follow what is going on when you use the software to set up the lareger ones. It will also help you be able to troubleshoot when a fresh system that you loaded is not working correctly. From time to time the software can, through bugs of its own or operator error, load some incorrect info. Just try a system or two by hand, maybe not all the talkgroups and text tags, but set it up and go into ID Search mode to confirm that it is working. No big deal if you get it fouled up, just delete the system and start over till you get it.

Another thing that I always do before my new equipment arrives is download the manual and read it several times. That way you already have a grasp of what you want to do instead of be all googly eyed with the shiny new scanner in your hands and just throw the dull old manual to the side.:lol:

While I personally do not like them many people find these helpful:

Mark's Scanners

They are laid out in a different than Uniden's. The Uniden manuals leave a bit to be desired but should get you there too.

The premium subscription here is the bee's knees for auto retrevial of systems for setting up the software and uploading to your scanner.

Happy Listening.